XP installation problem - Help!

[Suprnova04]

I'm trying to reinstall XP pro sp1 on a dell dimension 2350. When I boot from the CD everything seems to be going alright, and then it says "starting windows...". Next thing I get is a BSOD that just says:

Stop: c0000221 unknown hard error
\systemroot\system32\ntdll.dll

Any suggestions? I just need to wipe the machine out and start over. Thanks :)

[Phoenix86]

Bad RAM, CD, or CD drive.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326687

Run Memtest86+ for several hours/over night. Check the CD for defects/use different media, or replace the CD drive.

Good luck.

[OldMX]

I suggest loading bios defaults on it, then wipe the hard disk with 0's using DBAN or Autoclave and start with a fresh windows installation.

If you continue getting errors try running memtest and check computer ram for a couple of hours.

Good Luck

oldmx

[Suprnova04]

Bad RAM, CD, or CD drive. Good luck.

CD = brand new
How about i trying pulling one module of RAM at a time?

edit: no go on that.. only one stick.. don't have any more of that kind... d'oh

What other ways can I just plain format it??

[Phoenix86]

CD = brand new
How about i trying pulling one module of RAM at a time?

edit: no go on that.. only one stick.. don't have any more of that kind... d'oh

What other ways can I just plain format it??
Well it's very likely one of the three things I just listed, or BIOS setting around RAM. You don't think it's the disk, so move on to the RAM and CD drive. Test with memtest86+ for several hours/overnight. 1 or more errors=failure. Swap the CD drive with another...

You're not going to be able to install w/o getting around this error, it's not likely a HDD problem, so formatting with another OS isn't likely to help. At least look at the odd stuff once the known stuff is out of the way, which it isn't.

[Suprnova04]

ok, i'll give the memtest a try
do you have a link for that?

[Phoenix86]

www.memtest86.com

[Suprnova04]

updated bios = fixed.